Catholic Charities Providing help. Creating hope.

Bishop Dewane attends two galas
for Catholic Charities in one night

Bishop Frank J. Dewane had a busy evening February 3 as he joined in the festivities of two charity galas -- the Catholic Charities Ball in Sarasota and the Venetian Ball in the Fort Myers. The new ordinary for the Venice Diocese, guest of honor at both balls, kicked off the evening in the north and wrapped up the fundraising festivities in the south.

It was the 18^th annual ball for Catholic Charities in Sarasota but it was the first black tie event Bishop Frank Dewane attended for the organization. He spent the first part of the evening greeting ball patrons. Nearly 300 people came to the fundraiser.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for me to come here tonight not only to meet the supporters of Catholic Charities but get to know members from all the different parishes in Sarasota and Manatee counties,” said Bishop Frank Dewane.

“This event is not only important to raise money for Catholic Charities but to raise awareness about the important role Catholic Charities plays in our communities,” said Bishop Dewane. “Catholic Charities is the face of the Church that administers to the poor by providing valuable assistance.”

As cocktail hour came to a close, Bishop Dewane spoke to the crowd before commuting to Fort Myers to attend the Venetian Charity Ball. “I had a wonderful time meeting all of you this evening. I am glad we came together tonight to support those in need,” he said. “I look forward to seeing you in the coming years at the ball.”

Just after dinner, Bishop Dewane arrived at the Venetian Ball with Peter Routsis-Arroyo, president of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice. As he was escorted into the ballroom at the Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa, Bishop Dewane received a standing ovation from the more than 350 guests.

He took a few moments upon his arrival to speak to the crowd, thanking them for their attendance and assistance to Catholic Charities of Lee County.

"It is appreciated and we don't always take the time to tell you that," he said. "You know very well what the needs are in your community...Without your support we could not do this.

"Thank  you all for being here. I'm looking forward to a relaxing rest of the evening," Bishop Dewane said.

The ball committee then presented Bishop Dewane with a Waterford crystal cross.

Proceeds from the 2007 Catholic Charities Ball will fund the Financial Assistance Program that helps individuals in Sarasota and Manatee counties who are struggling with an emergency economic need that can be solved with short-term help. Disruption or loss of income, illness or death in the family, or simply a family encountering difficulties trying to make ends meet all can cause financial hardship for the working poor of our community. 

Financial assistance can be given for past due rent or utilities, and prescription needs. Often this one time assistance will keep a family from becoming homeless, an elderly person from having to choose between buying their food or medication, or a single mother from losing her job.

The Catholic Charities Ball, themed Dicing and Dancing, featured a silent auction with 36 items and a live auction with travel packages to destinations such as the Kentucky Derby, the Rose Bowl, New York City and London. Also auctioned was two dinners with Bishop Dewane as the guest honor. ABC 7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan was the master of ceremonies for the live auction. After an elegant meal, ball patrons danced to the Tony DiBianca Band and enjoyed casino entertainment. 

Proceeds from the 2007 Venetian Charity Ball benefit the programs of Catholic Charities of Lee County, which include after-school tutoring, citizenship classes, computer classes, direct assistance, DUI education, employment assistance, English as a second language, the Enhancing Family Relationships program, immigration services, the Madres program, job placement, social services and summer youth camp at several locations in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs.

The Venetian Charity Ball featured a silent auction with several hundred items, including sports memorabilia, jewelry, religious items and gift baskets.

There also was a live auction of a trip to Rome for two, a trip to the Far East for two, a puppy, two autographed bottles of sparkling wine and a diamond watch. The biggest ticket item to sell was dinner for 10 with Bishop Dewane. The fierce bidding war between Corella Stahl of St. Francis Xavier Parish and Don Mendick of Resurrection Parish resulted in a $10,500 winning bid by Mendick.

Photo: Long time supporter and volunteer for the Catholic Charities Ball Eileen Donovan greets Bishop Frank Dewane.

This story appeared in the Florida Catholic Newspaper.